In just over two months, world governments will gather in Geneva to finalize a groundbreaking global treaty aimed at combating plastic pollution in our rivers, coastal waters, and oceans. With nine out of ten people worldwide supporting action against plastic waste, the upcoming negotiations represent a historic opportunity to address one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Plastic pollution has become ubiquitous, affecting every corner of the globe. Microplastics have been found in the most remote regions, from isolated islands to the Arctic, and even in the air we breathe. They pose significant risks to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Without ambitious action, plastic waste could triple by 2060, reaching over a billion metric tons annually.
Citizens around the world are raising their voices, demanding decisive action from their leaders. This year’s World Environment Day mobilized millions to call for collective efforts to tackle plastic pollution. It’s clear that beating this crisis requires an all-of-society approach, involving policymakers, businesses, scientists, youth, and the media.
Many countries are already taking steps towards a different relationship with plastic. From producer-responsibility laws in India and France to reusable container programs in Canada, the momentum is building. The island of Jeju in the Republic of Korea has declared a vision to become free of plastic pollution by 2040.
Adopting a comprehensive circular approach globally could reduce plastic pollution in oceans by over 80% by 2040, saving governments billions in costs. It’s not just an environmental imperative but also an economic and moral one. The urgency to act is greater than ever, and the upcoming treaty offers a real chance to make meaningful change.
The challenges are significant, but the world has faced and overcome monumental obstacles before. Just as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed amidst numerous global crises, so too can this treaty be finalized with collective will and determination. Future generations depend on the actions we take today.
